Associate Art Director
Join Romero Games as we develop John Romero’s next First Person Shooter in partnership with a major publisher! This is an unprecedented opportunity to join a thriving independent development studio and work on a high-profile title that will be played by millions of gamers worldwide.
We are looking for an inspiring and creative Associate Art Director to join our growing team on a full-time basis, helping us to create unique visual worlds and experiences for players on PC and consoles. We are looking for an individual with experience, vision, and passion for creating cutting-edge games. As part of an independent development studio, you will have a significant impact and contribute on multiple levels to the games we make..
Ideally, you can relocate to join us in Galway, Ireland, but a remote role is also possible for the right candidate in a European timezone.
What you will do:
Coordinate with the Art Director to manage, develop, and mentor a multifaceted art team - concept, environment, character, animation, VFX, and user interface
Develop the visual style guide of the game, creating mood boards, references, and descriptions
Inspire and motivate the art team through clear and concise constructive critiques to ensure the highest visual quality in all areas of the game
Collaborate with the game director and the design team to help breathe life into their designs
Work closely with the technical teams to ensure an art vision that respects engine constraints and budgets, while also achieving excellence in visuals and realisation
Help the art team to ensure efficient and performant pipelines and workflows
Communicate with publishers and marketing teams as needed to ensure our products are represented well visually
What you need to have:
At least 3 years of creative leadership experience
At least 6 years of professional experience producing game art in the games industry
A proven track record, having shipped AAA-quality games
Deep understanding of art fundamentals and their practical application and translation into modern game engines
Ability to work in an open, transparent environment
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Excellent understanding of anatomy, colour, shape, scale, silhouette, and proportions
A full understanding of contemporary game development workflows and pipelines
Working knowledge of modern art production software such as 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, Zbrush, Substance, etc.
Proficient in Photoshop
Appreciation for the importance of accessibility, diversity, inclusion and equality
A desire to learn new techniques and technologies
Be based in Europe for maximum overlap with our team
What is nice to have:
Experience with various styles of art direction
Experience with Unreal
Drawing/painting skills to help convey ideas
Ability to work onsite in our office in Galway, Ireland
Candidates will be required to provide a portfolio and an explanation of what work was done on the portfolio projects.
Romero Games Benefits
Ownership. Everyone in the company benefits from ownership in the company. Every full-time Romero Games employee is given a stake. (This benefit is not open to contractors.)
Vacation: Time off for vacation. Five weeks vacation per year + 10 national holidays. Extra vacation days after 5 and 10 years of service.
Hybrid Working. Flexible working hours, including work-from-home and remote work.
Sabbaticals: At 5+ years, should you choose to take unpaid time for a personal project, we will cover 20% of your pay provided that it is in your area of interest.
Premium Health. Premium health benefits, plus extended healthcare coverage.
Fertility Leave: For employees undergoing IVF treatment, surrogacy or other forms of fertility treatment, two days per cycle for recovery or travel.
Relocation assistance. Flexible start dates, relocation reimbursement and assistance in finding housing.
Life-Friendly Policies: We understand that work is one of the things that you do and that life happens. We have a long and consistent pattern of life-friendly management, whether taking your kids to creche, assisting your parents with an appointment, or taking your pet to the vet.
Menopause: Up to five days off per year for appointments or recovery days.
Compassionate Leave / Bereavement. We support employees by offering paid time off during bereavement for immediate family. This includes loss of pregnancy, including the loss of surrogate pregnancy.
Parental Leave and Support. Family-focused benefits include fully paid maternity and paternity leave and flexible work hours. Most people here are parents. We get it.
Professional Development: World-class workshops on accessibility, diversity, design and more, from internationally recognized experts.
Social Events. Regular social events such as pub nights (including online pub nights), holiday parties, barbecues and conferences, with accommodation and travel covered by us.
Expert Speakers. Monthly insider expert seminars with renowned creators such as John Carmack, Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider), Warren Spector (Deus Ex), David Brevik (Diablo), Harvey Smith (Dishonored), Josh Sawyer (Pillars of Eternity), and more.
Bike to Work Programme: Within Ireland, using the Bike-to-Work government initiative, employees obtain a brand new bike and safety equipment worth up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike. The scheme covers your new bike and gear, saving 52% of the retail price of bike and equipment. https://www.biketowork.ie/